"I don't normally drink at 2 PM in the afternoon," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. But he did as I asked, reaching back into the cabinet and pulling out a second glass. He placed both of them on the counter next to me. "So, what are we celebrating?"

I cringed and stated emphatically, "We are not celebrating."

His eyebrows pulled together in concern, the question obvious on his face. I held a finger in the air letting him know to wait a minute. I needed the alcohol on board before I even started this conversation. Pouring the liquid into the glasses, I held mine up and sniffed. My...